hidalgo

nobleman, hidalgo

noun ee-DAHL-goh Rare

Origin: From Old Spanish fijo d'algo ('son of something'), meaning a man of property.

Usage Note

Hidalgo was the lowest rank of the Spanish hereditary nobility — holding noble status but often little wealth. The word is famously associated with Don Quijote, whose full title is El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha. In modern Spanish it also survives as a surname and, in Mexico, as a state name.

Examples

"El hidalgo vivía con pocos recursos pero mucho orgullo."

Natural Translation

The nobleman lived with few resources but great pride.

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